What might happen to Donald Trump's criminal conviction? Here are several possible outcomes

The judge presiding over Donald Trump’s criminal case in New York was faced with a serious dilemma following his election triumph. Does he have the right to sentence the president-elect? Or would it interfere with Trump’s constitutional duty to govern the country?

Judge Juan M. Merchan has essentially placed the case on pause until at least November 19 while he and the attorneys on both sides consider what should happen next. According to court documents made public on Tuesday. The anticipated date for Trump’s sentencing was November 26.

Merchan should move “in the interests of justice” and overturn the verdict, which is the first criminal conviction of a former and now-future U.S. president, according to Trump’s attorneys.

Prosecutors in Manhattan told Merchan that they are looking for a solution that strikes a balance between the “competing interests” of the jury’s decision and Trump’s obligations as president.

The following are some possible outcomes:

Await Trump’s departure from office

Merchan may choose to postpone punishment until the president-elect departs from office in 2029 if he wants to uphold the verdict without interfering with Trump’s presidency.

At the conclusion of his second term, Trump would be eighty-two years old and more than ten years away from the case’s central events. Merchan might not be on the bench by then if he chooses to wait. Trump is scheduled to leave office before the end of his current term.

Consider Trump’s claim of immunity

Merchan may also end the case by allowing Trump’s earlier request. It was to have the verdict overturned due to a July ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that granted presidents wide protection from criminal prosecution.

The top court’s decision shields former presidents from punishment for official actions and prevents prosecutors from utilizing official act evidence to demonstrate that their private behavior was illegal. Wait for a federal court to make a decision.

Dropped the case

By dismissing the charge and overturning Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts of fabricating business records. Merchan could put a quick end to the case. That would spare the president-elect from facing jail time or other consequences, as there would be no sentencing or penalty.

Proceed with the sentencing

If Trump’s attorneys don’t appeal. Merchan could also choose none of the aforementioned options and proceed to sentence, or at least attempt it. Ilya Somin, a legal professor at George Mason University. She stated that the case “could go either way” if it comes to punishment.